New rail routes to Austria
Saturday December 3, 2011 - Email this article to a friend

The new routes are to the resorts of Alpbach, Hopfgarten and Soll.

There are already good rail links to the Austrian resorts of Seefeld, St Johann, Kitzbuehel and the new routes offer more choice for those that like to let the train take the strain.

The journey involves the Eurostar to Paris and then a sleeper train, the City Night Line, to Wörgl station. Then its a short taxi journey up to the resorts. 

The packages include rail travel at preferential rates, in a joint venture between Skiline and Deutsche Bahn. The packages have been arranged by ski-rail website snowcarbon.co.uk.

There are some great prices for children too: under-15s, if accompanied by a parent or grandparent, pay just €20 each way on the sleeper train, plus their Eurostar fare.

"Few skiers realise that Austria can be reached easily by overnight train. The City Night Line isn't a traditional "ski train" - there's no disco carriage - but it's fun, kind of romantic, and comfortable," said the co-founder of sowcarbon, Daniel Elkan. "Travelling to the slopes by train creates a fraction of the pollution of flying or driving."

"Not only is the train a quality journey," says Angus Kinloch, Managing Director of the company, Skiline. "It actually is very competitively priced against flying, especially for families with children. However you travel to the Alps, it always takes a while to get there, so how you do it is very important.  We're really pleased to be able to help make the holiday begin when you step on the train, instead of when you reach resort."

The change of station from Paris-Nord, where the Eurostar arrives, to Paris-Est, from where the City Night Line departs, is a ten minute walk or seven minute taxi ride.

However here at PlanetSKi we reckon it is still an inconvenience especially with all the luggage associated with a ski trip. If you have children with you it is even worse.

It is possible to arrange a pre-booked taxi but it costs another €60 for an eight seat vehicle.

One further advantage of the train is that you can get in two days more skiing or snowboarding.

"The two 'extra' days skiing on arrival Saturday and departure Saturday are often the best days, as traditionally this is resort changeover day so the slopes are quieter," said Holger Gassler from the Tirol Tourist Board.

For details of the times and practicalities see below.

Journey details:

Outbound (Fridays):

Depart              London St. Pancras       15.31    Eurostar 

Arrive                Paris-Nord                     18.47    (change stations)

Depart              Paris-Est                         20.20    City Night Line 

Arrive                Woergl                            09.41    

Inbound (Saturdays):

Depart               Woergl                          20.48  City Night Line 

Arrive                Paris-Est                       09.23  (change stations)  

Depart              Paris-Nord                    11.13  Eurostar 

Arrive                London St. Pancras*    12.28

Then take a taxi: Woergl to Alpbach (30 mins), Woergl to Soll (15 mins) and Woergl to Hopfgarten (15 mins).

For full details of the resorts in question see the web site of Tirol Tourism - www.visittirol.co.uk.

Söll

Soll

Part of the Ski Welt, Austria's largest connected ski area, the resort of Söll has access to over 279km of varied and interesting slopes.

Located between the majestic Wilder Kaiser mountains and the Kitzbüheler Alps, the pretty resort offers great value for money, is a popular choice for Brits, with a lively après-ski scene and has top winter-wonderland activities for all to enjoy.

Sample rail package: Seven nights' stay at the self-catering Schindlhaus Apartments, just two minutes walk from the centre of Söll, starts from £685 per adult and £485 per child (children must be under 15 years of age), for the February half term week, departing on Friday 10^th February 2012.

Price includes Eurostar, City Night Line and taxi transfers. (March prices start from £589 per adult)

Hopfgarten-Kelchsau-Itter

Hopfgarten

Situated at the foot of the Hohe Salve, the resort of Hopfgarten is located in the heart of the Ski Welt, and is Söll's quieter neighbour, boasting a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and traditional Tirolean charm.

Sample rail package: Seven nights' stay at the Apartments Brixental, close to the lifts in the centre of Hopfgarten starts from £609 per adult and £409 per child (children must be under 15 years of age), for the February half term week, departing on Friday 10^th February 2012. Price includes Eurostar, City Night Line and taxi transfers. (March prices start from £589 per adult)

Alpbach

Alpbach

Highly regarded as one of Austria's most picturesque villages, the charming village of Alpbach is a true winter wonderland and a top choice for families, beginners and intermediates. A wide range of non-ski activities are on offer too, from snowshoeing to sleigh rides and tobogganing.

Sample rail package: Seven nights' stay at the Apartment Erlenhof Apartments in Alpbach starts from £599 per adult and £349 per child (children must be under 15 years of age), for the February half term week, departing on Friday 10^th February 2012. The apartments have a maximum occupancy of 8 persons so ideal if two families want to ski together.

Price includes Eurostar, City Night Line and taxi transfers. (March prices start from £519 per adult).

Information and booking:

Visit www.snowcarbon.co.uk for details of these and other rail-inclusive packages, and information on how to travel to ski resorts by train.

To book these packages directly with Skiline: call 020 8313 3999 or visit www.skiline.co.uk

For more information on the Tirol region - www.visittirol.co.uk

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